Czech news in brief for January 23: Friday's top morning headlines

Czech President Petr Pavel has officially admitted for the first time that he may run for re-election. Pavel previously indicated he intended to serve only one term, but recently stated that his decision will depend on the political situation and whether he feels he can still contribute to the country's stability. His current mandate expires in 2028. The shift in stance has sparked immediate discussion among political analysts and coalition partners.

Opposition leader Andrej Babiš has urged the European Union to prepare for a change in rhetoric following Donald Trump's return to the U.S. political spotlight. Babiš emphasized that Trump utilizes a specific negotiating strategy that the EU must learn to navigate rather than react to with alarm. He noted that Europe needs to be more proactive in securing its own economic and security interests while maintaining a functional trans-Atlantic partnership.

Prague experienced a record-breaking influx of tourists in December, according to new hotel industry data. The capital saw a significant surge in overnight stays, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Experts attribute the growth to strong interest in traditional Christmas markets and a high volume of travelers from neighboring European countries and the United States. The data suggests a robust recovery for the local hospitality sector and increased revenue for municipal services.

Prague City Council has approved new emission regulations for taxi services, though a proposal to mandate only electric vehicles failed to pass. The new rules require taxi operators to phase out older, high-emission internal combustion engines in favor of modern, eco-friendly alternatives. While environmental advocates pushed for a full transition to electromobility, city officials opted for a more gradual approach to ensure the economic viability of the local taxi industry.

The Czech-Danish co-production Mr. Nobody Against Putin has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category. This marks the first time in history that a Czech-produced documentary has received an Academy Award nomination. Directed by Pavel Talankin and David Borenstein, the film was co-produced by the Czech company PINK. The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Los Angeles on March 15. Read an interview with Talankin here.